By Linda Scrivner
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Walking Horse Association of Alabama (WHAA) held their annual high point awards banquet to “celebrate their 2004 stars” Saturday, Jan. 29, 2005 at the All Steak Restaurant. Everyone enjoyed a fabulous buffet dinner, as well as the restaurant’s famous orange rolls, before the award presentations got underway.
This was the eighth year that the WHAA donated the proceeds from their shows to Camp Smile-A-Mile, a camp for children who have been stricken by cancer. The WHAA has presented a total of $229,000 to this worthy charity.
2004 President Gene Carbine welcomed everyone, while Roger Latham said grace. Everyone then enjoyed food and conversation with the other members, family and friends in attendance.
Following the dinner, Jack Doss introduced the guests and WHAA member and TWHBEA Executive Director Charles Hulsey spoke to the group. Joni Jenne’, TWHBEA youth coordinator, and her husband Bill sat with the newly formed WHAA Youth Group. Jenne’ stated that the TWHBEA was excited that WHAA had started a youth group. She also commented on the Academy Program. In 2005, the winter academies have increased from four last year to seven this year. Jenne’ asked for those present to support the Alabama instructors. This program brings new adults and children into the walking horse industry.
Charles Hulsey spoke and commended Lynn Thompson, executive director of Camp Smile-A-Mile, and the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham for making these children feel good in their last moments. Mike Royer, NBC 13 journalist, stated that he had made a new video about the camp. “It renews in my heart and mind what it’s all about. You make a difference. This group is one of the best friends that the camp has.”
Ron Murphy, commissioner of agriculture, also complimented the crowd for their association for the camp that he also loves.
President Gene Carbine said that the association has had a record year. The WHAA Preview with the auction of stud fees grossed $25,000 last year which was a record. There were also record numbers of horses showing at the Alabama Summer Classic and the Ladies Auxiliary Show. Carbine also said that the association now had a “We Care Committee” to handle requests for charitable assistance from any member or charitable cause. This committee consists of Nan Ingle, Roger Latham, Tessa Hughes, Jamie Bradshaw and Nancy Hawkins.
Roxy Reeves came forward to present the Alabama Ladies Auxiliary awards, which were next on the list. Reeves reported that that the 2004 auxiliary show raised $6600 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The 2005 Ladies Auxiliary Show will be held March 26, 2005, in Huntsville, Ala. The Ladies Auxiliary High Point Award was presented to Melanie Collier.
The Alabama Regional Futurity winners, presented by Joan Kemp were next on the agenda. The High Point Stallion Award went to Generator’s Man Of Magic for the second consecutive year. This popular stallion is owned by William B. and Sandra Johnson. The high point mare was Fire’s Misfire, owned by Joan Kemp. Rounding out these awards was Andrew Jackson, the 2004 Top Graduate for John and Suzanne Keplinger.
Alabama members that won at the 2004 Celebration were recognized. They were Robin MacDonald, Suzanne Littell, Bob Lawrence, Jamie Ferguson, Jerry Collier and Barclay Woodward.
A plaque was presented to Nan Ingle for her husband and association member Lloyd Ingle in recognition of his service. Plaques of appreciation were given to the 2004 officers as well.
Certificates and recognition were given by Morrow Doss to the Gold and Silver sponsors of the Alabama Jubilee. This was followed by the presentation of the $42,000 check to Lynn Thompson, executive director of Camp Smile-A-Mile. Thompson took the stand, thanking the organization for its support. Thompson said, “Donations like this has made it possible for us to have two new programs last year. One was a young adult retreat, which was for ex-campers ages 19-30 that had survived. They had a camp reunion and a professional seminary to help them continue. The second was a off-therapy family retreat. Forty families came for this program.”
A special treat was given to the attendees as they were treated to a special performance by the world-traveled magician, Steve Trash. Rusty Carbine introduced him as the perfect entertainer with his magic for kids. The entire audience was mesmerized throughout his entire performance. Trash, from Frog Pond, Ala., is planning to teach kids his magic tricks at Camp “SAM” and will be donating proceeds from a show to the camp.
Hugh Johnson was next introduced as master of ceremonies for the high point awards. He said his horse trainer was also a magician. He made his money disappear each month. Taylor entertained everyone with his tales and kept the presentations moving along with lots of laughter. Johnson continued their tradition of calling fifth place first and ending with the winner in each division.
The 2004 WHAA high point awards began with the Lead Line division won by Just Jacob and Preston Moore for Preston and Jordan Moore. Reserve went to Dynamite, owned by Zack and Keely Smith and shown by Kelly Smith.
In the Weanling division Cat’s Lord of the Rings claimed the top spot for Linda McCarley. Miss Willameana and Gary Lingerfelt were reserve. Santana Silver Streak took home the Yearling High Point award for owner Bob Garber and handler Steve Beam. McCarley Farms’ The Major Recipe, handled by Linda McCarley was awarded second in the division.
The Robert and Jean Brannon owned property, Rocky Top Rainbow walked away with the Country Pleasure High Point award. Second place honors went to Cassee Crocker aboard Splashed for Joan Kemp.
The Two-Year-Old Stallions High Point trophy was awarded to Ultra Bumming Around and Hugh Taylor for Bobby and Sandra Ellison. Claiming the reserve spot were Liar Liar and Jamie Bradshaw, owned by Randall Ferguson.
The Andrea Zahnd property, The Williahamina and Chris Zahnd won the Two-Year-Old Mares award. Reserve honors went to Stolen Gem and Chris Zahnd for James and Peggy Vernon.
In the Three-Year-Old Stallions and Geldings division Santana’s Pusher Man and Jamie Bradshaw for Ferguson Farms were the recipients. Last year this team won the Two-Year-Old Stallions and Geldings high point award. Generated By Jose and Brant Thompson were reserve for owners, the H.E. Barker family.
The Three-Year-Old Mares high point honors went to Pusher’s Silver Dollar and Hugh Taylor for David and Sonny Roberson. Last season Pusher’s Silver Dollar won the Two-Year-Old Mares award. Loose N Busty and Link Webb were called to the reserve spot for owner James Vernon.
Following his three-year-old stallion high point victory last year, Rainbow Of Colors and Tim Smith won the Four-Year-Old Stallions for G.L. McNeill. Major Headspin and Chris Zahnd were reserve for Nelson Rowe.
The Four-Year-Old Mares honors went to Sweeping Armor and Johnny Ford for Jackie Goodwin.
OMG and Larry Latham won the Aged Stallions and Geldings award for Larry Latham while Titanium Touch and Tim Smith tied with Evening To Remember and Nathan Clark for second. Titanium Touch is owned by G.L. and Beverly McNeill and Evening To Remember belongs to Roy and Janey Coley.
Jamie Waddell’s Almost Indecent topped the Aged Mares division with Buck Williams aboard. The reserve ribbon went to Bayou Black and David Latham for Bratton and Latham.
Greg Pate and Generator’s Mountain chalked up another win in the 15.2 and Under division for Woodie and Carolyn Spinks. The reserve award went to OMG, shown by Larry Latham for Roger and Larry Latham.
Sing Sing Sing and Shannon Reliform were called to accept the trophy in the Open Show Pleasure division. Rick Young’s Master Of Pride and Meg Young were reserve.
In the Two and Three-Year-Old Plantation Pleasure division top honors went to Andrew Jackson, shown by John Keplinger for John and Suzanne Keplinger. Echo of Magic and John Keplinger were second for John and Suzanne Keplinger.
Chief’s Storm and Whitney Thomas claimed the points to win the Juvenile Plantation Pleasure Specialty for Jacqueline Roberts.
J.D. Evans made his appearance to claim the trophy for Jacqueline Roberts in the Amateur Plantation Specialty aboard Chief’s Storm. Coins For Cash and owner/rider Judy Leeks took home reserve.
The Rising Sun continues to win high point awards in Alabama, just as he did last season. The Rising Sun claimed the Open Plantation Pleasure for owner/rider Ray Solley. Andrew Jackson, shown by John Keplinger for John and Suzanne Keplinger were reserve.
For the second year in a row, the Western Pleasure high point award went to the team of Coin’s Flip Side and Suzanne Keplinger, owner/rider. Pusher’s Minor Man and Leslie Moore, also a repeat of last year, were second for Ray Solley.
Jaron Compton took first with Delight N Pushin in the Ponies, 17 Years and Under for Hugh Taylor. Bionary, shown by Bo Beam, claimed reserve for Bob Garber.
In the Juvenile 11 Years and Under competition, Dark Storm Warning and Blake Beam topped the heap. Cebe’s Hashmark and Shelby Beam were second for Larry Latham.
Another popular class in 2004 was the Juvenile 12-17 Years class. Racking up the points for first were Motown Mischief and Jodie Powell for Jerry and Bonnie Powell. Ronnie Woodward’s Major Cigar and Barclay Woodward finished second.
The Flashlight and Katlyn Strickland carried the highest points in the Juvenile 17 Years and Under division for Billy Strickland. Reserve went to Generator’s Dry Gin and Bo Beam for Dan Haynes.
Claiming the trophy and ribbon in the Two-Year-Old Amateur category was the team of Dream Dollar and Aimee Barker for H.E. Barker family. There was a tie for reserve. Pusher’s Winning Rose and Roger Latham sailed into the second place spot along with Tremendous Faith and Roxy Reeves for Woody and Carolyn Spinks.
Topping the Three-Year-Old Amateur division was Silver Dollar Intimidator, shown by Aimee Barker, for H.E. Barker. Dark Spirit’s Finale and Leroy Reliford took home reserve honors.
In the Four-Year-Old Amateur division Nan Ingle stepped up to claim the trophy for a great year with Armed In Rio. Joan Kemp’s Disarmed and Cassee Crocker were awarded the reserve award.
You’re In Command and Bruce MacDonald were called to receive the trophy and ribbon in the Men’s Amateur division for Bruce and Robin MacDonald. Doc’s Cutting Edge and Wes Samford claimed the reserve place.
Nan Ingle was thrilled once again when Pusher’s Sam I Am was named the Ladies Amateur High Point winner... Finishing with second were Write This Down and Kelly Peevy for Peevy and Carter.
The Amateur Owned And Trained honors were awarded to Ebony Threat Double and Ranch Kelly for Rance and Joan Kelly. The Great Satchmo and Larue Waters were called to the second place ribbon.
Tommy and Vickie Hale’s Busting With A Bang and Tommy Hale captured the trophy and ribbon for first in the Open Amateur Specialty. Copy’s Touchtone and Robin MacDonald finished second for Bruce and Robin MacDonald.
Clutch’s Pushover and Ray Solley carried away top honors in the Open Amateur Walking-Canter division. Patsy Poer and her Spirit’s Mystery Bum were reserve.
In the Stake Class division, the Bobby and Sandra Ellison owned Pusher Full Of Thunder and Hugh Taylor claimed the Stock’s Sweet Lady perpetual award, donated by Woodie and Carolyn Spinks and presented by Carolyn Spinks. OMG and Larry Latham were second for Roger Latham.
The Arab Park and Recreation Show was the Best One Night Show of the Year.
Jerry Collier was named Alabama’s Trainer of the Year. Dennis Mostiller was the Assistant Trainer of the Year. These are both highly prestigious awards.
Barclay Woodward take home the Juvenile Rider of the Year award. Aimee Barker was pleased to accept the award for the Lady Rider of the Year, while Tommy Hale proudly accepted the Gentleman Rider of the Year award.
Adding to his night of wins, Ray Solley was called to receive the Eb’s Bad Friday perpetual award for the Overall High Point Horse of the Year in the Pleasure Horse division with The Rising Sun.
Claiming the Struttin Peacock perpetual award donated by John and Suzanne Keplinger and presented by Suzanne Keplinger for the Overall High Point Horse of the Year in the Performance division were Ultra Bummin Around and Bobby and Sandra Ellison.
The final award of the evening was the Horseperson of the Year. The award and ovation went to Eugene Carbine. The evening was concluded with the reading of a poem by Kaithlyn Strickland and Hugh Johnson’s final comment. “Live every day of you life as if it were the last one - cause one day you’ll be right. Complete results follow.
Lead Line 1. Just Jacob, Preston Moore for Preston and Jordan Moore 2. Dynamite, Kelly Smith for Zack and Keely Smith 3. Coco, Libby McCurdy for Libby and Hannah McCurdy 4. Salsa Caliette, Zoe Wilson for Pearl Arqueline 5. Midnight, Cade Barnett for Clay Woodley
Weanling 1. Cat’s Lord of the Rings, Linda McCarley 2. Miss Willameana, Gary Lingerfelt 3. Backin Command Again, Joan Kemp 3. I’m Pretty Firey Too, Joan Kemp 4. Awesome Mistress, Linda McCarley for McCarley Farms 4. Design By Blue, Roxy Reeves for Woody Spinks 4. Pzazz’z Wonder, Gerald Campbell for Joan Kemp 5. G’s Spirit Of Colors, Kim Baldwin for Larue McWaters
Yearling 1. Santana Silver Streak, Steve Beam for Bob Garber 2. The Major Recipe, Linda McCarley for McCarley Farms 3. Seymour Dumas, Tony Prince for Donald Barnett 4. Motown N Texas, Joan Kemp and Dr. Brown 5. Major Patton, Brian Walker for Reliford Farms
Country Pleasure 1. Rocky Top Rainbow, Jean Brannon for Robert and Jean Brannon 2. Splashed, Cassee Crocker for Joan Kemp 3. Dream Boat Annie, Suzanne Keplinger for John and Suzanne Keplinger 4. Generator’s Big Time, Joyce Smith 5. I’m Walking On The Edge, Edwin Martinez for McCarley Farms
Two-Year-Old Stallions 1. Ultra Bumming Around, Hugh Taylor for Bobby and Sandra Ellison 2. Liar Liar, Jamie Bradshaw for Randall Ferguson 3. Dirty Dumas, Nathan Clark for Clark and Stewart 4. Down Home Blues, Chris Zahnd for Hagood, Vernon and Dobbs 5. The Plainsman, Greg Pate for Bruce and Kay Dempsey
Two-Year-Old Mares 1. The Williahamina, Chris Zahnd for Andrea Zahnd 2. Stolen Gem, Chris Zahnd for James and Peggy Vernon 3. War Eagle Miss, Phillip Trimble for Molly Walker 4. Gypsy’s Silver Dollar, Jerry Collier for Perry Hastings 5. Slow Dancing, Jerry Collier for Ray and Betty Warren
Three-Year-Old Stallions and Geldings 1. Santana’s Pusher Man, Jamie Bradshaw for Ferguson Farms 2. Generated By Jose, Brant Thompson for H.E.Barker family 3. Pusher’s Touch of Jazz, Larry Latham for Enfinger and Latham 4. MG’s Main Motown, Jakie Smith for Brenda Fann 5. Jose Rojo, Brant Thompson for Clark Farms
Three-Year-Old Mares 1. Pusher’s Silver Dollar, Nan Ingle for Bobby and Sandra Ellison 2. Loose N Busty, Link Webb for James Vernon 3. Pride’s Generator Magic, Robert Bowden for Charles Crane 4. Jazz’s Favorite Gen, Linda McCarley for McCarley Farms 5. Shez’s 24 Karat Gold, Tripp Taylor for Jerry and Bonnie Powell.
Four-Year-Old Stallions and Geldings 1. Rainbow Of Colors, Tim Smith for G.L. McNeill 2. Major Headspin, Chris Zahnd for Nelson Rowe 3. Wired And Walking, Steve Beam for Jeff Bryant 4. Watch My Dust, Justin Harris for Evans Allison 5. Ritz Diamond Joe, Jamie Bradshaw for Ferguson Farms
Four-Year-0ld Mares 1. Sweeping Amor, Johnny Ford for Jackie Goodwin
Aged Stallions and Geldings 1. OMG, Larry Latham 2. Titanium Touch, Tim Smith for G.L. and Beverly McNeill 2. Evening To Remember, Nathan Clark for Roy and Janey Coley 3. Major Cigar, Nathan Clark for Ronnie Woodward 4. Color’s Stagger Lee, Jack Way for Carolyn Rutner 5. Major Beautiful, Melanie Eifling for AR Investments 5. Pusher’s Time To Bust, Ronnie Campbell for Christy Brown 5. Bustin With Terror, Ray Baldwin for Jim and Judy Leek
Aged Mares 1. Almost Indecent, Buck Williams for Jamie Waddell 2. Bayou Black, David Latham for Bratton and Latham 3. I’m Betty Gable, Phillip Trimble for Gary McCulloch 4. Delight’s Gold Bum, Larry Latham 5. Premier’s Dark Spirit, Hugh Taylor for Bobby Ellis 5. Sizzle Spirit, Amber Tort for James Miller
15.2 and Under 1. Generator’s Mountain, Greg Pate for Woodie and Carolyn Spinks 2. OMG, Larry Latham for Roger and Larry Latham 3. Pusher’s Pzazz, Tim Smith for G.L. McNeill 4. Major Magic Horizon, Kay Dempsey for Bruce and Kay Dempsey 5. Moveover, Carolyn Rutner
Open Show Pleasure 1. Sing Sing Sing, Shannon Reliform 2. Master Of Pride, Meg Young for Rick Young 3. Gen Blazing King, Andrea Zahnd 4. A Pretty Pusher, Steve Beam for Bob Garber 5. Gen On The Move, Andy Emfinder for Robert Emfinger
Two and Three-Year-Old Plantation Pleasure 1. Andrew Jackson, John Keplinger for John and Suzanne Keplinger 2. Echo Of Magic, John Keplinger for John and Suzanne Keplinger 3. Chief’s Storm, Ginger Evans for Jacqueline Roberts 4. Awesome Uprising
Juvenile Plantation Pleasure Specialty 1. Chief’s Storm, Whitney Thomas for Jacqueline Roberts Amateur Plantation Specialty 1. Chief’s Storm, J.D. Evans for Jacqueline Roberts 2. Coins For Cash, Judy Leeks 3. Andrew Jackson, John Keplinger for John and Suzanne Keplinger
Open Plantation Pleasure 1. The Rising Sun, Ray Solley 2. Andrew Jackson, John Keplinger for John and Suzanne Keplinger 3. Chief’s Storm, Ginger Evans for Jacqueline Roberts 4. Coin’s For Cash, Judy Leeks 5. Masked Generator, Jackie Byrom for Joel Johnson
Western Plantation Pleasure 1. Coin’s Flip Side, Suzanne Keplinger 2. Pusher’s Minor Man, Leslie Moore for Ray Solley 3. May Sunrise, Ray Solley and Leslie Moore for Ray Solley 4. Coin’s For Cash, Judy Leeks 5. All Color’s Dazzle, Clanton Dubose for Sandra Dubose 5. The Evil Woman, Ashley Latham for Latham Stables
Ponies, 17 Years and Under 1. Delight N Pushin, Jaron Compton for Hugh Taylor 2. Bionary, Bo Beam for Bob Garber 3. Pride’s Beamer, Whitney Thomas for Russ and Linda Thomas 4. My Major Heartache, Forrest Roberts for Don Barnett 5. Generator’s Dry Gin, Bo Beam for Dan Haynes family
Juvenile 11 Years and Under 1. Dark Storm Warning, Blake Beam for Bo and Blake Beam 2. Cebe’s Hashmark, Shelby Beam for Larry Latham 3. Slam’s Grand Tour, Trevor Collier for Collier and Hale 4. The Skylite, Emily Zahnd for Emily and Andrea Zahnd 5. Delight N Pushin, Jaron Compton for Benny Gray family
Juvenile 12-17 Years 1. Motown Mischief, Jodie Powell for Jerry and Bonnie Powell 2. Major Cigar, Barclay Woodward for Ronnie Woodward 3. Generator’s Dry Gin, Bo Beam for Dan Haynes family 4. Gen’s Delightful Jazz, Audrey Grant for Cantrell and Grant 5. The Flashlight, Katlyn Strickland for Billy Strickland 5. Almost Indecent, Jamie Waddell
Juvenile 17 and Under 1. The Flashlight, Kaithlyn Strickland for Billy Strickland 2. Generator’s Dry Gin, Bo Beam for Dan Haynes 3. Bonanza Dixie Belle, Meg Young for Young and Pate 4. Major Cigar, Barclay Woodward for Ronnie Woodward 5. Motown Mischief, Jodi Powell
Two-Year-Old Amateur 1. Dream Dollar, Aimee Barker for H.E. Barker family 2. Pusher’s Winning Rose, Roger Latham 2. Tremendous Faith, Roxy Reeves for Woody and Carolyn Spinks 3. A Lady In The Sky, Dannie Jones 4. This Lady Can Score, Patsy Hutton for Mike Overcast 5. Dr. In Command, Red Etheredge
Three-Year-Old Amateur 1. Silver Dollar Intimidator, Aimee Barker for H.E. Barker 2. Dark Spirit’s Finale, Leroy Reliford for Larry Reliford 3. Halter Ego, Mike Inman for Mike and Karen Inman 4. Armed, Cassee Crocker for Joan Kemp 5. Slam’s Wild Nite, Rene Barnett for Chris and Rene Barnett
Four-Year-Old Amateur 1. Armed In Rio, Nan Ingle 2. Disarmed, Cassee Crocker for Joan Kemp 3. Wired And Walking, Jeff Bryant for Jeff Bryant family 4. Masquerading In Black, Micky Groom 5. Bellagio, Robin MacDonald for Bruce and Robin MacDonald
Men’s Amateur 1. You’re In Command, Bruce MacDonald for Bruce and Robin MacDonald 2. Doc’s Cutting Edge, Wes Samford 3. Formal Affair, Jay Mitchell for Consolidated Farms 4. Rainbow Of Colors, Red Etheredge for G.L. McNeill 5. Darkest Sunrise, Ray Solley
Ladies Amateur 1. Pusher’s Sam I Am, Nan Ingle 2. Write This Down, Kelly Peevy for Peevy and Carter 3. Mistress, Robin MacDonald for Bruce and Robin MacDonald 3. Copy’s Touch Tone, Robin MacDonald for Bruce and Robin MacDonald 4. Hytone Generator, Amy Trimble for Trimble and Abernathy 4. Bayou Black, Rhonda Bratton for Bratton and Latham 5. Major League, Carolyn Rutner 5. Bordeauz Command, Amber Tortegia for James Miller 5. Miss Ivey League, Rebecca Adams for Andy and Rebecca Adams
Amateur Owned And Trained 1. Ebony Threat Double, Ranch Kelly for Rance and John Kelly 2. The Great Satchmo, Larue McWaters 3. Threat’s Mountain, Bryan Jones for Donnie Jones 4. Another Dumas, Roger Latham 5. Silver’s Black Ghost, John Keplinger
Open Amateur Specialty 1. Busting With A Bang, Tommy Hale for Tommy and Vickie Hale 2. Copy’s Touchtone, Robin MacDonald for Bruce and Robin MacDonald 2. Major League, Carolyn Rutner 3. You’re In Command, Bruce MacDonald for Bruce and Robin MacDonald 4. Doc’s Cutting Edge, Wes Samford 5. Generator’s Cashin In, Mike Inman
Open Amateur - Canter 1. Clutch’s Pushover, Ray Solley 2. Spirit’s Mystery Bum, Patsy Poer 3. Live N Learn, Jay Mitchell for Consolidated Farms 4. OMG, Roger Latham 5. Clouds Of Joy, Ginger Evans for J.D. and Ginger Evans
Best One Night Show of the Year: Arab Park and Recreation Show
Trainer of the Year: Jerry Collier
Assistant Trainer of the Year: Dennis Mostiller
Juvenile Rider of the Year: Barclay Woodward
Lady Rider of the Year: Aimee Barker
Gentleman Rider of the Year: Tommy Hale
Overall High Point Plantation Horse of the Year: The Rising Sun, Ray Solley
Overall High Point Performance Horse of the Year: Ultra Bummin Around, Bobby and Sandra Ellison.
Horseperson of the Year: Eugene Carbine